For you N Scale guys that don't have a printer and don't look at the 3D Printing section much I just added a thread you might be interested in if you use flex track, especially ME flex track in particular, ( HERE ). Even if you don't have a printer you could still probably make these tools. They use to be available commercially but haven't seen them on the market lately. Also put the following videos up using them....l Sumner
Thanks for the reminder. A few months ago rearanging my collection I came across a simpler version and wondered what they were really for. I was into HO when I bought them but they did include N. So, that's one area I should be closer to ready for. Thanks. Rich
I saw one in a video and when I went looking for it found that it wasn't manufactured anymore but found a new one at a dealer's in Canada. Probably what you have, it is a dark block with the track groves. After seeing InvertLocic's YouTube I got to thinking about it and now also had a 3D printer. Made mine slightly different but of course you need the grooves so pretty much a copy. Then went on to make the additional tools for spacing the track and for shaping parallel tracks, Sumner
I went and found mine. They are an off white and they are for N, HO and O gauges. I thought they were meant to assemble hand made tracks. At the time I didn't know there was flexible track. This was in 2007. I hope to get a 3D printer soon. Rich
Very GOOD! I bought a bunch of the MLR [Miller I think] track tools some time ago. Always wondered why I bought more than one. I made a few by just removing lines in a plastic block with NARROW blade in my table saw. Along as you are in EXACT GAUGE, you are fine. Another tool is a 36" STEEL yardstick. Lay one rail, of the flex-track, up against the edge of the steel yard stick and your flex will be straight.
One of the best videos on fitting pieces of flex track and getting good close joints but allowing for expansion is this one. He utilizes a feeler gauge to set the gap for expansion. Showing my age but I remember when we used feeler gauges to set the points in a car's distributor cap. And if you don't know what that is then you got to be younger than fifty. Perfect rail gaps with N scale flex track on your model railroad layout for better operation - YouTube
You can save $$ on buying feeler gauges by using and old credit card. The gap is different then his feeler gauge width but as long as the gaps are consistent...its all good. JMO.
I still have and use sets of inch and metric feelers and wires for spark plugs. Plus other mechanic/machinist measuring tools. But then I'm a little over 50.